One of two climbers who died after being trapped on Mt Taranaki this weekend had texted her father saying she didn't expect to survive.

Two Auckland climbers are facing a second night in a snow cave on Mount Taranaki with no overnight equipment, after rescuers were driven back by foul weather today.

Search and rescue crews are scouring the Kahurangi National Park in "atrocious" weather for a French tramper who has been missing for three days.

A teenager who was rescued by two police officers from rough surf at a Hawkes Bay beach has paid tribute to his heroes.

The Taranaki Outdoor Pursuits Centre has escaped a fine for the tragedy on Paritutu Rock last year, but will still pay out $72,000 in reparations to families of victims and survivors.

Two police officers who dived into rough surf and formed a human chain to save a 12-year-old boy from drowning are set to receive the force's highest bravery award today.

A Japanese student spent a cold night in the Kaimai Ranges where she got lost yesterday.

A man has died after the boat he was in capsized in the sea off Northland today.

Police are appealing for help to locate a 61-year-old woman, missing in west Auckland.

Two people have been injured have a helicopter crashed this afternoon near the Waimakariri River in Canterbury.

The canine heroes and victims of Christchurch’s earthquakes are immortalised in a new book by Laura Sessions and Craig Bullock.

A Chinese backpacker who survived three days without food or equipment, as poor weather closed in, didn't know bushes were dangerous.

A Chinese backpacker missing at National Park, Ruapehu since Sunday has been found alive, police said.

A rescue helicopter has been scrambled to search for two hunters lost in the snow in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

A hunter has described how he and a mate spent an icy night in the bush huddled with their dogs for warmth after losing their way back to their ute.

Frederick "Rick" Hayward was last seen leaving his Hamilton home in Thames Street about 5pm on Monday night.

When the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter flies out, it's not just for high-drama rescues and critically injured patients.

A hunter who fell down a ridge and broke his leg has been found after a freezing night on a South Island mountain.

It appears missing Karamea man Andrew Ross White, 58, had almost reached the end of his Heaphy Track trek - an adventure on his bucket list - before he was swept away.

Human remains have been found in the search for Andrew Ross White in the Heaphy area of the South Island.

Search teams have today resumed their hunt for Karamea tramper Andrew Ross White, who is feared missing on the Heaphy Track.

Searchers looking for Karamea tramper Andrew Ross White, last seen entering the famous Heaphy Track, are following up reports of a sighting by a member of the public.

A 15-year-old Te Aroha girl who had been missing since Sunday has been found safe and well.

A tramper last seen entering the Heaphy Track at the top of the South Island two weeks ago has been reported missing.